EDLD 5399 Week 1 Part 1

My strengths lie in data, i.e. numbers. I have a very analytical mind. I noted in Domain II, Competency 5 that student assessment, technology integration, and accountability systems are my strengths. In Domain II, Competency 6 I noted that understanding how various organizational factors (staffing patterns, class scheduling formats, school organizational structures, and student discipline practices) affect teaching and learning. In Domain III, Competency 8 using technology and information systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of school district operations is my strength. I am the associate principal at a large junior high. My primary responsibilities are curriculum/instruction, assessment (testing coordinator), and master scheduling. These are my strengths. I am also the technology expert on campus, simply because that is one of my personal strengths. Staff members from my campus and around the district seek my assistance on technology issues.

I am competent in the areas of ethics/integrity, curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, and personnel development/supervision/evaluation. I marked myself competent in all of Domain I, Competency 1 (act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner in order to promote the success of all students); Domain II, Competency 5 (knows how to facilitate the planning and implementation of strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; use the current accountability system; and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance) with the exception of those I noted as strengths above; Domain II, Competency 6 (knows how to advocate, promote, and sustain an instructional program and a district culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth) with the exception of the strength noted above and two weaknesses noted below; and Domain II, Competency 7 (knows how to implement a staff evaluation and development system and select appropriate models for supervision and staff development to improve the performance of all staff members) with the exception of one weakness noted below.

I marked myself as mostly competent in Domain III, Competency 8 (knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application); and Domain III, Competency 10 (knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to comply with federal and state requirements and facilitate positive change in varied contexts) with the exception of working with others (especially the board of trustees) and encouraging and facilitating positive change.

My weaknesses mainly center around the fact that I have not had the opportunity to work at the district level. I have no experience in dealing with the board of trustees, all staff members, strategic planning, budgeting, physical plant, maintenance, etc. I also have had little experience in dealing with the community as a whole. I marked myself as in need of improvement in those areas of Domain I, Competencies 2, 3, and 4; and Domain III, Competencies 8, 9, and 10. I also marked myself in need of improvement on student support services (II, 6), special needs (II, 6), and effective presenting (II, 7).